I'm thinking of purchasing a 1993 H23.5 or a 1994 H26. What are the comparative advantages and disadvatages. I'm intrigued by the wheel on the H26. How does control by wheel differ from the tiller. Thanks for your help.
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23.5 or 26?
There are major differences between both boats. A wheel on the 26 does give you the big boat feeling and many folks lie this arrangement as it drives like a car. New sailors take a while to get use to the opposite effects on the tiller. Edson does make a reto kit for whell installtion on a 26 although I recently read they do not. If you need any further information, feel free to email me at davecondon@mindspring.com Crazy Dave
There are major differences between both boats. A wheel on the 26 does give you the big boat feeling and many folks lie this arrangement as it drives like a car. New sailors take a while to get use to the opposite effects on the tiller. Edson does make a reto kit for whell installtion on a 26 although I recently read they do not. If you need any further information, feel free to email me at davecondon@mindspring.com Crazy Dave
Tiller or wheel
I've got an H240 and have a telescoping extension on the tiller so I can sit in the stern seats and steer. Its great! If you got a wheel, be prepared to glue yourself down to practically the same spot. Always, Boring!
I've got an H240 and have a telescoping extension on the tiller so I can sit in the stern seats and steer. Its great! If you got a wheel, be prepared to glue yourself down to practically the same spot. Always, Boring!
Wheel is good!
I have the H260 with a wheel and like the setup better than the tiller steered boat I had perviously. True that without an autopilot, you can't steer from the sternrail seats. But you can sit on the captains seat, stand in front of the captains seat, stand to either side of the pedestal, sit on the cockpit benches either side of the pedestal, or stand in front of the pedestal (not too comfortable for more than a few minutes). I particularly like that I can stand comfortably facing forward while steering. I also like not having the tiller sweep half the cockpit during a tack and having to make sure knees aren't getting knocked or hampering steering. In the end it is a matter of personal preference, and I like the wheel more than I anticipated I would. Another advantage is that the pedestal is a great place to mount compass and motor controls. Fair winds... Tom
I have the H260 with a wheel and like the setup better than the tiller steered boat I had perviously. True that without an autopilot, you can't steer from the sternrail seats. But you can sit on the captains seat, stand in front of the captains seat, stand to either side of the pedestal, sit on the cockpit benches either side of the pedestal, or stand in front of the pedestal (not too comfortable for more than a few minutes). I particularly like that I can stand comfortably facing forward while steering. I also like not having the tiller sweep half the cockpit during a tack and having to make sure knees aren't getting knocked or hampering steering. In the end it is a matter of personal preference, and I like the wheel more than I anticipated I would. Another advantage is that the pedestal is a great place to mount compass and motor controls. Fair winds... Tom
Tiller w Auto Pilot
I have a H240 w tiller. We added an auto tiller WHICH IS LESS EXPENSIVE on a tiller than a wheel. The tiller takes up less space in the cock pit and is faster through the entire range of motion than a wheel. The auto tiller makes the day much more enjoyable as you can move around the boat as you will. and the pain in the neck from constant position is no longer a factor. We are lucky enough to be on lake michigan which means I can hold a constant heading for days or sail back and forth near the marina. In either senario the auto tiller on a non wheel boat leaves us much more room and comfort. Joe
I have a H240 w tiller. We added an auto tiller WHICH IS LESS EXPENSIVE on a tiller than a wheel. The tiller takes up less space in the cock pit and is faster through the entire range of motion than a wheel. The auto tiller makes the day much more enjoyable as you can move around the boat as you will. and the pain in the neck from constant position is no longer a factor. We are lucky enough to be on lake michigan which means I can hold a constant heading for days or sail back and forth near the marina. In either senario the auto tiller on a non wheel boat leaves us much more room and comfort. Joe
Wheel
i want to buy the pedestal wheel assembly where can I buy one ... Edson Int. discontinued the one they made for the 96' H26 .....Can anyone help me? George Marco Island
i want to buy the pedestal wheel assembly where can I buy one ... Edson Int. discontinued the one they made for the 96' H26 .....Can anyone help me? George Marco Island
Wheel Steering
I had two tiller-controlled sailboats, and now, with the Hunter 260, have wheel steering. It has its advantages and disadvantages. You will have to mount a Captain's Chair on the fuel locker, or spend a lot of time standing up. A wheel will not respond as fast as a tiller, but, I find it more enjoyable on long day-sails. It is certainly more comfortable for passengers who do not have to dodge a tiller. Edson makes a wheel brake which can keep the wheel in place for short chores, like adjusting a line. The pedasal also makes a nice place to mount my GPS. See if you can get a test sail before you buy. Ray Sand Dollar
I had two tiller-controlled sailboats, and now, with the Hunter 260, have wheel steering. It has its advantages and disadvantages. You will have to mount a Captain's Chair on the fuel locker, or spend a lot of time standing up. A wheel will not respond as fast as a tiller, but, I find it more enjoyable on long day-sails. It is certainly more comfortable for passengers who do not have to dodge a tiller. Edson makes a wheel brake which can keep the wheel in place for short chores, like adjusting a line. The pedasal also makes a nice place to mount my GPS. See if you can get a test sail before you buy. Ray Sand Dollar
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